Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2026 - EASC 101 D100

Dynamic Earth (3)

Class Number: 1315

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 9 – Dec 6, 2026: Mon, Wed, 11:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Dynamic Earth offers an introduction to minerals, rocks, geologic resources and processes. Plate tectonics is the unifying theory of geology and is the focus as we learn how the Earth changes over geologic time and results in the formation of volcanoes and mountain belts, faults, folds and earthquakes. Breadth-Science.

COURSE DETAILS:

Course Topics:

  1. Minerals and Mineral Resources
  2. The Layered Earth and Plate Tectonic Theory
  3. Rocks and Rock-Forming Processes,
  4. Weathering and Erosion,
  5. Mass Wasting
  6. Vancouver Area Geology
  7. Earth's Crustal Processes (Faults, Folds and Mountain Building)
  8. Geologic Time and Earth History
  9. Earthquakes and West Coast Tectonics
  10. Geology of Canada
Course Organization:

Two 50-minute lectures and one 2-hour lab per week.

Attendance at lectures is expected. Lab attendance is mandatory (missed labs due to illness must be made up in a timely fashion).

This course fulfills Breadth-Science (B-Sci) requirements with successful completion (C- letter grade or better).

 

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

Students successfully completing this course will be able to:

  • Understand and describe the layered Earth.
  • Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of plate tectonic theory.
  • Understand our local plate tectonic setting, volcanism and seismic risk /hazard.
  • Identify minerals and rocks in hand specimen based upon their diagnostic properties (minerals), and composition / texture (rocks).
  • Demonstrate an ability to work with geologic cross-sections.
  • Know the geologic time scale.
  • Demonstrate knowledge about geologic resources, the geology of Canada and marine geology.

Grading

  • Canvas Homework 5%
  • Lecture Participation 5%
  • Test 1 15%
  • Test 2 15%
  • Test 3 15%
  • Test 4 15%
  • Lab Exam 1 15%
  • Lab Exam 2 15%

Materials

MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:

A pencil and eraser are required for the lab. It is recommended to bring your lecture notes to lab (laptop/tablet/phone or printed copy).

RECOMMENDED READING:

BC Campus Open Text

“Physical Geology” by Steven Earle (https://opentextbc.ca/geology/)


Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

At SFU, you are expected to act honestly and responsibly in all your academic work. Cheating, plagiarism, or any other form of academic dishonesty harms your own learning, undermines the efforts of your classmates who pursue their studies honestly, and goes against the core values of the university.

To learn more about the academic disciplinary process and relevant academic supports, visit: 


RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATION

Students with a faith background who may need accommodations during the term are encouraged to assess their needs as soon as possible and review the Multifaith religious accommodations website. The page outlines ways they begin working toward an accommodation and ensure solutions can be reached in a timely fashion.